Humboldt sups asked to look at intersection

Fatality site safety questioned

December 4, 2012

DAKOTA CITY - The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors was asked to look at an intersection where a fatal accident occurred Friday.

Harold Trask, of Renwick, told the supervisors Monday he had been asked by people to come before the board to discuss the intersection of Humboldt County roads P66 and C54 two miles south of Thor.

Mathias J. Berte, 35, of Bode, was pronounced dead at the scene, while Kevin R. Nichols, 35, of Fort Dodge. was injured. According to the Iowa State Patrol, Berte was driving west on C54 when he failed to stop at a stop sign and drove into the path of Nichols' truck, which was northbound on P66.

Trask said his daughter-in-law was seriously injured in an accident at the same intersection last year, in which, he said, the other driver also failed to stop at the stop sign.

Trask said he wanted the county to do everything possible to ensure safety at the corner.

"I think rumble strips is probably the answer," he said.

Trask said that, though he knows the county cannot put rumble strips at every intersection, he urged the board to "try to get it done because I think it is in the best interest of public safety."

Supervisor Harley Hett said the intersection is a clear one with no obstructions.

Board Chairman Jerry Haverly thanked Trask for bringing the matter before the board.

"Truly it's something we can look into," he said.

Supervisor Mort Christianson said the county has rumble strips at other intersections where there had been accidents.

County Engineer Paul Jacobson requested a 10-year history of the intersection.